Points of Interest
Ports
Cruise the Gulf Islands in Spring
Delve Into an Odyssey Through Geologic and Human Timescales
Walk through wildflower meadows, historic homesteads, and beautiful beaches this spring in the Gulf Islands, BC. Home to southern resident killer whales and many marine birds, seals, and sea lions- enjoy ample wildlife viewing and possible whale watching. Sail among eclectic island communities, under spring skies, and over sparkling waters.
Some people think they’ve “done” the Salish Sea or Gulf Islands if they’ve visited Victoria and Salt Spring Island. They’ve seen only the tiniest, most human-impacted snippet. Our trips leave off where the road ends, alongside sculpted sandstone shorelines, moist rainforests and eagles soaring along rocky bluffs. You’ll learn of Canada’s history in the region, and a history that’s existed far longer, the Coast Salish, as well as the diverse natural history.
View Special Offers For This Trip: Solo Traveller, Flight Credits
Itinerary Details
- Ships: Maple Leaf or Swell
- Duration: 5 Days
- Ports: Sidney
- Includes a Canadian Geographic Itinerary
Gulf Islands in Spring
- Maple Leaf
- 5 Days
Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip.
Day 1: Orientation, cruising in the Gulf Islands, BC. Seabird island visit, wildlife watching, porpioses. Anchorage Saturna Island.
Day 2: Morning hike on Saturna Island, forest ecology. Spectacular views and picnic. Cruising some of the most productive in the waters of the southern Gulf Islands. Anchorage and beachcombing, early farm history exploration. Sea lion and seabird haul out.
Day 3: Village visit, sailing in Georgia Strait and one of many channels in the area. Anchorage Prevost Island, within the Gulf Islands BC. Exploring the interidal life at low tide. Hike to view and mariner’s light.
Day 4: Cruising to either Wallace Island, Penelakut Island or other central Island. Historic and First Nations history. Wildflower meadows or mushroom, fall foliage highlights. Cruising to Russell Island. Optional kayak.
Day 5: Morning woodland shore walk. Kanaka history. Cruising to Sidney.
Departures
Find your ideal trip dates below. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars.
| Date | Price | # of Nights | Start Port | End Port | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 22 – 26, 2025 | $3,550 | 4 | Sidney | Sidney | Maple Leaf |
| April 21 – 25, 2026 | $3,650 | 4 | Sidney | Sidney | Maple Leaf |
* Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person. The trips in Canada are subject to 5% federal tax. See “Included in Our Price” for the exceptional value included. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and in Canadian dollars. For solo travellers, there is no single supplement on the SV Maple Leaf trips (shared accommodation), and there is a 50% single supplement on the MV Swell and Cascadia trips. For full-ship private charters, please contact us. Payment and cancellation policy is available online, in the brochures and by speaking with us. We welcome your contact.
Salish Sea Expedition With Canadian Geographic
- Swell
- 5 Days
Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip.
Your 2025 Canadian Geographic Ambassador: Briony Penn, a Canadian Geographic Fellow and award-winning naturalist, shares her extensive knowledge of British Columbia’s ecosystems through engaging storytelling. As an environmental advocate and author, Briony’s passion for conservation and her ability to connect science with narrative inspire a deeper appreciation for nature.
Day 1: Meet in Victoria and board your ship. Welcome reception, cruising to seabird island for viewing and historic discussion, Russell Island and shore walk with Salish and Kanaka history, and natural history. First night dinner and short lecture.
Day 2: Cruising spectacular Samsun Narrows, with history of European/Canadian exploration, and coastal First Nations history. Shore trips at Penelakut Island, Valdez Islands, historic sites. Cruising Polier Pass, shore trip Galiano Island, historic site. Short evening presentation.
Day 3: Exploring the outer islands on the edge of the ‘big sea’, Georgia Strait. Marine mammal view- ing. Exploring ashore on Cabbage and Tumbo Islands, settelr history, historic farmstead, beautiful beach. Optional kayaking.
Day 4: Exploring Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on the remote south end of Saturna Island. Shore trip includes old farmstead, spectacular vistas, forest ecology, and view of important Boundary Pass and the site of a dispute over the siting of the Canadian border. Cruising to further remote sites in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Evening presentation.
Day 5: Morning shore walk, optional kayaking, wrap-up and cruising to Sidney, watching for wildlife.
Departures
| Date | Price | # of Nights | Start Port | End Port | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 – 22, 2025 | $4,700, $5,250, $6,350 | 4 | Sidney | Sidney | Swell |
| April 14 – 18, 2026 | $4,700, $5,400, $6,450 | 4 | Sidney | Sidney | Swell |
* Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person. The trips in Canada are subject to 5% federal tax. See “Included in Our Price” for the exceptional value included. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and in Canadian dollars. For solo travellers, there is no single supplement on the SV Maple Leaf trips (shared accommodation), and there is a 50% single supplement on the MV Swell and Cascadia trips. For full-ship private charters, please contact us. Payment and cancellation policy is available online, in the brochures and by speaking with us. We welcome your contact.
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Solo Traveller Special
We’re waving the single supplement!
Don’t miss this great opportunity for solo travellers, in their own cabin with no single supplement, to discover the rich indigenous culture and natural wonder of the BC coast!
Terms and Conditions
Subject to availability and booking limits on select sailings, as designated by Maple Leaf Adventures. Available in category 1 cabins on Cascadia and category 1 or 2 cabins on Swell (limited availability). Not combinable with other offers, except pay-in-full and standard back-to-back trips. For 2025, eligible departures include the Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic (Apr 18-22, MV Swell); Desolation Sound (Apr 25-29, Apr 30-May 4, MV Swell; May 1-5, MV Cascadia); Haida Gwaii (May 9-16, May 16-23, MV Cascadia); Whales & Wild Isles (Jul 28-Aug 5, Aug 6-14, Aug 16-20, MV Cascadia); Great Bear Rainforest (Aug 29-Sep 5, Oct 9-16, MV Cascadia); Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC (Oct 20-27, MV Cascadia; Oct 19-26, MV Swell); Craft Beer Cruise (Oct 27-31, MV Swell); and Wines & Islands (Oct 29-Nov 2, MV Cascadia). For 2026, eligible departures include the Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic (Apr 14-18, MV Swell); Desolation Sound (Apr 21-25, Apr 25-30, MV Swell; May 3-7, MV Cascadia); and Haida Gwaii (May 11-18, May 18-25, MV Cascadia).
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Spring Trip Flight Credit 2026
Come rejoice in the sounds and sights of spring and save on your trip!
Book one of our qualifying nature and wildlife trips by November 30, 2025, and get a $500 credit on your fare per person.
Terms and Conditions
You must book and pay for your deposit by the offer expiry date to qualify. – Offer not transferable to other dates and is not redeemable for cash or credit toward another trip. – Offer not valid with any other promotions or special offers, except pay in full offer and standard back-to-back trip offer. Eligible trips: Salish Sea Expedition, Apr 14-22, MV Swell, Gulf Islands Spring, Apr 21-25, SV Maple Leaf, Desolation Sound, May 3-7 MV Cascadia, Desolation Sound, Apr 21-15, Apr 26-30, May 1-5 MV Swell, Desolation Sound, Apr 28-May 2, SV Maple Leaf, Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest, May 9-16, SV Maple Leaf, Vancouver Island Inside Passage, May 6-13, MV Swell
Experience the Gulf Islands
See the Gulf Islands through the eyes of our guests.
What People Say
See what our guests have to say about our Gulf Islands tours.
Highlights
Experience Hundreds of Islands off the Ferry Route
Hopping between eclectic towns and remote, wild islands.
Related Stories
Follow our coastal expeditions with notes from the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions about our Gulf Islands itineraries. Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more general trip and booking information.
Taxi services are readily available from Victoria Airport (YYJ) or Swartz Bay Terminal when you arrive. The Marina in Sidney is a short 10 minute drive from the airport or ferry terminal. Contact information for taxi companies is provided to you before your tour, should you need to call the taxi upon your arrival. At the end of your tour your captain will arrange a taxi pick up at the marina to take you to the airport. If you choose to drive, a complimentary parking pass is available from the marina office.
Our schedule is designed to accommodate incoming flights on the day of departure and most guests will arrive on the day. But, if you would like to arrive a little early to avoid the stress of possible flight delays, you will find recommendations for local hotels and activities in your welcome aboard package.
In the spring, the Gulf Islands experience milder and more temperate weather compared to many other parts of Canada. With its coastal location, the Gulf Islands enjoy relatively warmer temperatures and pleasant conditions during this season. However, it’s important to note that weather patterns can vary, and it’s always a good idea to come prepared for changes in temperature and possible rainfall. Layering clothing and having a waterproof outer layer is recommended to ensure comfort and enjoyment during your trip.
Spring is a time of rebirth and you can expect to encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and even orcas that frequent the coastal waters. You may also spot a variety of bird species, including eagles, herons, and seabirds. On land, keep an eye out for deer, raccoons, and other smaller mammals. The Gulf Islands provide a rich habitat for wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.
Absolutely. We encourage our guests to participate in any aspect of the trip that interests them and to whatever level they are comfortable with. We are patient instructors (no yelling) and delight in helping people learn. On the other hand, you are not required to sail or perform duties while on your vacation. The choice is yours.
